As well as KhalifaSat, the H-2A rocket also launched carrying Japan's environment satellite, GoSat-2.

KhalifaSat is an Earth observation satellite set to monitor environmental changes, such as the effects of global warming in the North and South Poles.

Images from the satellite will also help with urban planning and management in targeted areas.

The successful launch was celebrated by the group of 70 Emirati engineers from the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). A video posted on the centre’s official Twitter account shows Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Chariman of MBRSC and Abdulla Harmoul, the satellite’s launch manager in tears.